George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the bill H.R. 2115, as sponsored by the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), would authorize the Bureau of Reclamation to add the Lakehaven Utility District reclamation projects to its current list of 25 specifically authorized projects under title XVI of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act. Lakehaven Utility District is proposing a water reclamation program that would result in the reduction or elimination of local secondary wastewater to the Puget Sound, conjunctive use of reclaimed water, groundwater and surface water, and enhancement of existing wetlands and fish habitat. Lakehaven has two secondary wastewater treatment plants currently discharging over 6 million gallons of water a day to the Puget Sound. They would use reclaimed water to manage groundwater levels, thereby enhancing the reliability of existing water supplies. The project would result in the construction of additional treatment systems at the district's two wastewater treatment plants and would further purify all or portions of the plant's secondary effluent. Lakehaven is also planning the construction of transmission and distribution pipeline systems to transport water to reuse areas where facilities will be developed to direct the water to the aquifer. This would be done through injection wells, sub-surface infiltration galleries and land applications in areas that are currently wetland restoration project areas. The cost for these facilities is estimated to be $38 million. Under title XVI, the Federal portion of the cost of constructing facilities cannot exceed 25 percent, with a maximum of $20 million. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2115) to amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater within and outside of the service area of the Lakehaven Utility District, Washington.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce legislation to transfer 27.1 acres of National Forest Service property from the Stanislaus Forest to the Clovis Unified School District. By so doing, this legislation will permit the school district to continue to operate the Five Mile Regional Learning Center on this National Forest land and, more to the point, it will now allow the school district to fund vitally necessary capital improvements to the Learning Center facilities. Without this legislation, these improvements and non- federal expenditures would not be allowed and the Learning Center could not continue due to dilapidation. This legislation, therefore, should be considered non-controversial and an exercise in cooperative and effective local, state and federal government relations. The Five Mile Regional Learning Center is an Outdoor Environmental Education School that benefits youth from all over the state of California. Classes range from forest to raptor studies with an emphasis on natural resource conservation. In addition to the environmental education program the school district offers course work on character development, team building, and individualized challenge activities such as high ropes. During the summer the site is used by a variety of groups, including Educators, DeMolay, Girl Scouts, basketball camps and school leadership students. In addition, a number of counties in conjunction with local and state agencies bring ``At risk kids'' to the program's Life's Alternatives Involving Risks (LAIR) Adventure Academy. The Regional Learning Center serves 138 schools from approximately 60 school districts in California. Approximately 14,000 students participated in this educational program last year. Counties served include: Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Madera, Marin, Merced, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Stanislaus, Toulumne, and Tulare. It operated three basketball camps that reached nearly 1,000 boys and girls. DeMolay, Fresno North LDS, and Four Square Church account for another 400 people using the facility. A project is in development that would utilize the LAIR area as an Elderhostel site focusing on living during the Gold Rush days. The Five Mile Regional Learning Center is a Forest Service Administrative site located in the Mi Wok Ranger District, Stanislaus Forest. The site includes bartacks, a mess hall, classrooms, a gymnasium and shop buildings. This site is 27.1 acres. Approximately 100 additional acres adjacent to the National Forest are used as part of the comprehensive conservation/education program for trails, campsites, ballfields, bird mew sites, bird blinds, and a tree nursery. The 120 acre Five Mile Regional Learning Center has been operated by the Clovis Unified School District since 1989. Prior to that the Fresno County Office of Education starting in 1969 operated the project. While the Five Mile Regional Learning Center is located on National Forest Land, the federal government plays no role in the operation or maintenance of the facilities used by the program or in delivery of the educational program. The National Forest Service merely permits the use of these facilities and lands to the Clovis Unified School District, and monitors the program to ensure that permit requirements are adhered to. The buildings and structures that are located on the 27.1 acres of main property have been in existence since the early 1960's. However, the Forest Service has not funded or appropriated monies to maintain or operate these buildings. According to Forest Service documents the ``Regional Learning Center facility has outlived its life by years and if it were not for the efforts of the Clovis Unified School District, the buildings would be in a state of disrepair useable to no one.'' In addition, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Ben Del Villar has stated to the Clovis Unified School District, in correspondence, ``We believe that your acquisition of the learning center would be in the best interest of the public and the Forest Service.'' Without transfer of ownership the Clovis Unified School District is prohibited from spending its money on capital improvements to ensure that these facilities do not fall into disrepair to the extent that they would be unusable. The Clovis Unified School District has on average spent more that $1 million per year over the last 12 years on operation and maintenance. In addition to the ongoing commitment of more than $1 million per year in operation costs, the Clovis Unified School District is willing to invest $5 million over 5 years in capital improvements and renovations to the existing facilities. The legislation authorizes a new Special Use permit that would essentially continue the authorization for Clovis to use the adjacent 100 or so acres presently used but on which no structures in need of capital improvement exist. The federal costs of this transfer are administrative-only and negligible to the value that the school district will be spending to increase the value of the property and run this important educational program for the children of California.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 2001 Dinner of Champions being put on by the Central California Branch of the Mountain Valley California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The first of these annual events will honor racing legends Blackie Gejeian, Joe Boghosian, and the late Fred Gerhardt. The Dinner of Champions made its national debut in 1972 and honors local public leaders and personalities for their efforts to champion the fight against multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society strives to reach out to those affected by the crippling disease and raise awareness for MS. Mr. Gejeian's involvement in racing began in 1949 and he won championships all over the Central Valley. Blackie was presented the Most Popular Driver award four years in a row. After his retirement in 1958, Blackie continues contributing to racing by promoting auto races including the Autorama for the past 40 years. Mr. Boghosian was first exposed to racing in 1949. He earned many honors including the Northern California Championship. In 1965 he moved from California to Indianapolis. Joe actually built the engine that put Mario Andretti in the Indy 500 winner's circle in 1969. He is still building engines and anything else that needs reliable power today. Mr. Gerhardt was involved in auto racing from the 1930's until his passing. He and his good friend, the late Bill Vukovich, raced hot rods and midget cars in the 1930's and 40's. Fred built his first Indy car in 1956 and continued fielding Indy cars through 1976. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to acknowledge and honor the efforts of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and these honorees. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating and thanking this organization and these racing legends.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize J&L Vineyards as Baker, Peterson & Franklin, Certified Public Accountants' Ag Business of the Year. J&L Vineyards is honored for its contributions to the ag industry and the Central San Joaquin Valley. J&L Vineyards was selected by a committee of representatives of the AgFresno Advisory Board, National Ag Marketing Association, and the BP&F Ag Department. The family business is owned and operated by Don Laub and his daughter Debbie Jacobsen. Don's wife, Clara; son, David, daughter Diane Tavares; and Debbie's husband, Ray are also involved with the company. What began in the late 1930's as a 20-acre raisin farm has expanded to ten varieties of table, raisin, and wine grapes on 1,050 acres. J&L Vineyards has also grown beyond the Laub family to include ten full-time employees. It is J&L Vineyards' efficiency and innovation that has earned it this recognition. These commitments can be seen by the business' integrated pest management, trellis design for table grapes, and higher yield with fewer inputs. Beyond agriculture and business, J&L Vineyards has exemplified a commitment to the community in which it has thrived. Family members have served on many boards including the Allied Grape Growers, California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom, California Women in Agriculture, and Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge J&L Vineyards as the recipient of the 2001 Ag Business of the Year. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this company and wishing it many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deran Koligian on the occasion of his recognition by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce as the Agriculturist of the Year. Mr. Koligian serves Fresno County's first district on the Board of Supervisors and was recently elected to serve as the Board's chairman for 2001. In addition to being a County Supervisor, he also serves on a myriad of commissions including the Economic Development Commission, Central Valley Project Authority Advisory Committee, Pleasant Valley Habitat Plan Board of Directors and Steering Committee, Southeast Regional Solid Waste Commission, and Water Resources Management Executive Committee. Supervisor Koligian, born and raised in Fresno, is an ardent supporter of agriculture in the largest agricultural producing county in the nation. He has blended his dedication to agriculture and public service in a most beneficial and effective manner. Fresno County has been enriched by his commitment to agriculture and the community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Deran Koligian as the 2001 Agriculturist of the Year. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Koligian and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Pete Mehas on the occasion of his recognition as the 2001 Breaking Barriers for Children Award Honoree. Break the Barriers, Inc., partners able- bodied performers with disabled youth to explore and break barriers and celebrate all levels of victories and achievements. This award is intended to honor the contribution of an outstanding individual who has made service to children a priority in his or her life. Dr. Mehas has a lengthy list of credentials and service to the community, State of California, and our great Nation. He has promoted education under governors and presidents alike. His expertise and advice are sought by leaders from all levels of government. His resume includes service under former California Governor Deukmejian as the director of the Governor's Office of Education Planning and Policy Committee and on the State Board of Education. Dr. Mehas has also served on the U.S. Secretary of Education's National Advisory Committee on Accreditation and Institutional Eligibility and former President George Bush's advisory committee on Latino education. He has received numerous awards and was elected Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in 1990 and is currently serving his third consecutive term with unanimous support from Fresno area Democrat and Republican legislators. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Dr. Pete Mehas for this award. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating this dedicated educator and wishing him many more years of continued success as he receives the 2001 Breaking Barriers for Children Award.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ron Vargas for receiving the Friends of Agricultural Extension Farm Advisor Award. Ron is the Madera County Farm Advisor and County Director. The award is to honor his work in the area of Cotton Weed Management. He and his fellow investigator, Tulare County Farm Advisor Steve Wright, began a research program in 1989 to develop a method to control nightshade through the use of methane sodium. The results of their research allowed growers to significantly reduce their hand hoeing costs. Vargas has done a great deal of research on herbicides. This research includes cotton's tolerance to a DuPont broadleaf herbicide and an evaluation of Transgenic Herbicide Tolerant cotton varieties. Vargas is currently focusing his research on the integration of herbicide tolerant cottons, as well as traditional herbicides, into a conservation tillage system. His early findings have shown a significant cost reduction for cotton farmers. His findings are particularly important to the California cotton industry in today's economically challenged environment. Mr. Speaker, I congratulae Ron Vargas for his Farm Advisor Award presented by the Friends of Agriculture Extension. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ron Vargas many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tony Valtierra for receiving the President's Award presented by the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This award pays tribute to Mr. Valtierra's involvement in the Hispanic business community. Mr. Valtierra's active involvement has made him a role model for the members of his local community. Tony Valtierra descends from Mexican parents and grew up in Southern California. At a young age he met Mr. Herb Goffstein who became his mentor. Due to the close relationship that developed between them, he followed Herb in his move to Atlanta, Georgia. Once there, he worked with Hanes and the Coca-Cola Company in various Olympic venues during the 1996 Olympic Games. From there he followed Herb back to the Central Valley, where Herb and Mr. Valtierra started A-Champion Advertising Specialties and where Tony fell in love with Fresno and its people. He is proud to make Fresno his home, as Fresno has been very good to him. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tony Valtierra for his commitment to improving the lives of people in the community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Valtierra many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Wayne Bemis on the occasion of his retirement as Forestry Instructor at Reedley College. Mr. Bemis was born in New Hampshire. At the age of eight, he and his family moved to San Diego, California. In 1953, he graduated from Grossmont High School. After completing a two-year forestry program at Lassen Junior College, he enrolled at California State University, San Diego. He interrupted his college education for two years when he joined the Army, where he served at Fort Bliss, Texas. After proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army, Bemis continued his college education and graduated in 1963. He then enrolled at California State University, Humboldt, where he earned a Masters Degree in Forest Management. After completing his formal education, Mr. Bemis served the U.S. Forest Service for 12 years as a firefighter, professional forester, and silviculturalist. His 12 years with the U.S. Forest Service provided Wayne with a variety of valuable on-the-ground experiences that he went on to share with students at Reedley College. During his teaching career at Reedley College, he developed an outdoor laboratory at Sequoia Lake, where thousands of forestry students have received their first practical experience in the woods. The program he developed uses Reedley College Forestry students to manage the forest resource for the YMCA. Wayne and his wife, Pat, have one son, Scott. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute to Wayne Bemis for his dedicated public service and distinguished teaching career over the past 38 years. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Wayne Bemis a pleasant retirement and many more years of continued happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Vincent Petrucci for receiving the 2000 Agriculturist of the Year Award. The award is given by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce to an individual who exemplifies leadership and integrity in California's Central Valley agricultural business community. Dr. Vincent Petrucci, a native of California, studied at U.C. Davis where he earned a BS degree in pomology and a MS degree in horticulture. In 1994 he was honored with an honorary degree of Doctor of Science by California State University, Fresno (CSUF). During his 45-year tenure at CSUF, he developed the viticulture and enology programs at Fresno State, including the curriculum and facilities. Dr. Petrucci has served as a consultant to more than 34 different grape-growing countries around the world, including the former Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. He has participated in the International Office of the Wine and Grape (O.I.V.) and has served as vice president of the International Group of Experts on Raisins and Table Grapes for O.I.V. Dr. Petrucci's multiple awards include the CSUF Outstanding Professor Award, the Nicolas Salgo Outstanding Teacher Award, the 1981 Wines and Vines Man of the Year Award, the 1990 California Restaurant Association Lifetime Achievement, and the Distinguished Achievement Award of U.C. Davis. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dr. Vincent Petrucci on his 2000 Agriculturist of the Year Award. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Petrucci and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United Parcel Service (UPS) and their Fresno employees for their dedication to answering the needs of the local business community. Their hard work and ability to adapt quickly have kept Fresno businesses competitive with those in other areas. UPS, which is the world's largest package distribution company, transports more than 3 billion parcels and documents annually. Using more than 500 aircraft, 149,000 vehicles and 1,700 facilities to provide service in more than 200 countries and territories, they have made a worldwide commitment to serving the needs of the global marketplace. Recently, UPS has added next-day ground service to their delivery options out of their Fresno distribution center. The addition of this service has opened the door for Fresno businesses. The ability to make ground deliveries overnight gives Fresno businesses the same advantage that Southern California businesses have, next-day delivery. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the UPS Fresno Distribution Center for its commitment to the financial prosperity of Fresno and the Central Valley. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the UPS Fresno Distribution Center many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of William M. Maguy for his faithful dedication to improving the lives of others. Mr. Maguy died in his home on February 17, 2001, of a massive heart attack. William had an extensive education. He earned a BA and an MA in Philosophy from the Aquinas Institute of Philosophy, an MA in Theology from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, and he was a Ph.D. candidate in Education from the University of Chicago. From 1961 to 1963 William served as a Professor of Theology, a Dean of Students, a Religious Education Instructor, and an Informal Liaison Officer of Catholic Church and International Organizations in Bolivia. From 1965-1966 he served as the Dean of Men at the Aquinas Institute in Illinois. In 1967 he began his service at Proteus, Inc, a company that focuses on improving people's ability to become economically self sufficient. Mr. Maguy served as the Chief Executive Officer of Proteus, Inc. until he retired in 1998. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor William M. Maguy for his dedication to improving the lives of others. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of William M. Maguy. I wish to send condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Reverend Samuel Albarian to his new post at California's oldest Armenian Church. Reverend Albarian has been named the Director of Armenian Ministries of the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno. Reverend Albarian is a native of Lebanon. He and his family fled to the Dominion of Canada when civil war erupted in Beirut in the late 1970's. In Canada he became active in the First Armenian Evangelical Church (FAEC) of Montreal, serving as counselor and director in the FAEC vacation bible school ministry and chairperson of the youth and college group programs. In 1985, Reverend Albarian earned a D.E.C. in Pure and Applied Sciences from CEGEP Vanier College in St. Laurent, Quebec. In 1991, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science from Concordia University in Montreal. Reverend Albarian then worked as a quality assurance analyst programmer at Eicon Technology in Canada until 1994. The following year he moved to California and enrolled at the Talbot School of Theology. In 1998, Reverend Albarian earned his Master of Divinity Degree from Talbot. Reverend Albarian served a one-year pastoral internship at Calvary Armenian Congregational Church (CACC) in Northern California. In 1999, he was named Associate Pastor for Youth Ministries at CACC. Reverend Albarian and his wife, Tamar, have one son, Timothy. Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome Reverend Samuel Albarian and his family to the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Reverend Albarian and his family many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rob Atwill for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. The Friends of Agricultural Extension will recognize Rob at their annual awards dinner. Rob is a Veterinary Medicine Extension Specialist at the U.C. Veterinary Medical Training & Research Center in Tulare, CA. He is conducting research on the subject of ``The Interface Between Water Quality, Animal Agriculture, and Human Health--with particular emphasis on the fate and distribution of waterborne pathogens from animal agricultural systems.'' Rob's efforts to develop responsible data to determine the extent and risk of microbial movement from dairy lagoons and other such systems has been invaluable to our livestock industry. His work has helped develop responsible handling techniques and provide factual insight on which to base regulatory guidelines. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Rob Atwill for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Rob Atwill many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Fresno District Office for their contributions and efforts in the community. The U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The Fresno District Office has been transformed into one of the most user-friendly vital economic development resources for the business community in the Central Valley. Over the past five years, the Fresno District Office has assisted over 3,893 businesses with loans totaling $1.1 billion. The Fresno District Office works by a simple motto: be visible, proactive and responsive to the business community and other resource partners. The Fresno District Office has had a presence in Fresno, California for over thirty years, working with and assisting local businesses. In 2000, the Fresno District Office was the recipient of the Fresno Bee's prestigious ``Central California Excellence in Business Award'' for Finance/Banking/Insurance. The SBA Fresno District Office is the first Federal Agency to receive this award. This is a testament to the SBA's dedication to economic development and high standards of customer service. Although the SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same: they help Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Fresno District Office of the Small Business Administration for their contributions to the economy of the California Central Valley. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the Fresno District Office of the SBA many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Steven Kister for winning the American Vineyard Grower-of the-Year Award. Mr. Kister is the current president of the Raisin Bargaining Association, making him and his father the only father and son to have both been elected as president of the RBA. In June of 1999, Kister became a member of the new California Raisin Marketing Board (CRMB), focusing on increasing the market demand for raisins through such actions as increasing consumer awareness of the nutritional value of raisins. Kister dedicates much of his time to dealing with issues of importance to growers, such as labor shortages, government regulations and the cost of production. In addition, Mr. Kister has worked to bring together members of the agricultural and urban communities in California's great Central Valley for their mutual benefit. Mr. Kister is a third generation farmer in Kerman, where he lives with his wife, Linda, and their two children, Claire and Eric. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Mr. Steven Kister and his long-standing commitment and dedication to the San Joaquin Valley and California agriculture. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Steven and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 400, introduced by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert), the Speaker of the House, would authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior to purchase the site of Ronald Reagan's boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois, at its fair market value and, once acquired, designate it as the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home National Historic Site. In addition, the National Park Service would be required to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Foundation, the site's current owner, to operate the new historic site and within 2 years develop a general management plan that would define the roles of the two parties interpreting and preserving the historic site. Mr. Speaker, establishing the boyhood home as a National Historic Site will ensure long-term preservation of the museum and its eligibility for funding from the National Park Service. I urge an ``aye'' vote on the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 400) to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home National Historic Site, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), a member of the Committee on Resources. (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Movses B. Janbazian for his prominent leadership in the nation's Armenian community. Reverend Janbazian died in his office on October 25, 2000, of a massive heart attack. Janbazian was the executive director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, a 30,000 member group that provides relief and missionary service around the world. Janbazian, a native of Anjar, Lebanon, had headed the group since 1987. Mr. Janbazian was also an ordained pastor and served on the board of trustees at Haigazian University in Lebanon. His work was always done with the best interests of the Armenian community in mind. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Movses B. Janbazian for his life-long dedication to the nation's Armenian community. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Movses B. Janbazian.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William (Bill) McFarlane for receiving the 2000 Agriculturist of the Year Award. The award is given by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce to an individual who exemplifies leadership and integrity in California's Central Valley agricultural business community. Bill McFarlane is a native of Fresno. He grew up on a small farm near Clovis. In 1948, McFarlane and his father formed a farming partnership and expanded their farming operations. His family currently continues to operate the farm, which has about 1,000 acres of almonds, oranges, and wheat. McFarlane and McFarlane also own a farm in Butte County on which rice is the principal crop. Their family farming operations was active for 25 years in western Fresno County, producing almonds, tomatoes, cotton, garlic, melons, and lettuce. Bill is currently a member of the Advisory Committee for the Clovis Unified School District's Reagan Educational Center Agriculture Department. He also serves on the Friends of Agriculture Extension for the University of California Cooperative Extension. He is a past chairman of Blue Diamond Growers and a previous president of the Central California Almond Growers Association. McFarlane is a past recipient of the Special Recognition Award from the Fresno County Farm Bureau and the Co-op Farmer of the Year from the Agricultural Council of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate William McFarlane on his 2000 Agriculturist of the Year Award. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. McFarlane and wishing him many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pauline Kliewer for being named ``Registered Nurse of the Year'' by the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations. Kliewer will receive the award in the Education category. In her 30 years as a nursing educator, Pauline has gained a reputation as a strong advocate for nursing education. She has mastered the ability to blend the science of nursing, the art of education, and the importance of relationships into effective nursing education. Pauline has been an active member of her community. She is a mentor, volunteer, and supporter for the Hope Now For Youth organization. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she has served as a church elder and a Sunday school teacher, Christian education director, and choir director. Pauline is a member of the Nursing Leadership Council and the Chairman of the Paradigm Program. She is also the Central Valley liaison for the Differentiated Practice Research Project. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Pauline Kliewer for being named ``Registered Nurse of the Year'' in the category of Education by the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Pauline Kliewer many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nancy Pitigliano for receiving a 2001 Common Threads Award. This award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable contribution to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Nancy Pitigliano has worked at the state and federal level to advance the cause of farmers and ranchers in California agriculture. Nancy and her husband, Charlie, operate a custom farming and harvesting company. She is active in the Tulare County Farm Bureau, where she currently holds the office of first vice-president. She has been involved with the Farm Bureau Youth Leadership, California Farm Bureau Federation Water Advisory Committee, California Women for Agriculture, San Joaquin River Coalition, Friant Farm PAC, Breast Cancer Awareness, World Ag Expo, Tulare Les Petit Children's Home Society, Tulare Garden Club, and St. Aloysius Church. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Nancy Pitigliano for earning a 2001 Common Threads Award. She has shown outstanding involvement, not only in agriculture, but also in strengthening her community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Pitigliano a bright future and continued success.